Trump, "Strongly Support Wearing Masks... I Wore One Too"

Shift from Negative Stance on Mask Use
Mentioned Masks Can Be Used in Official Settings
Opposes Nationwide Mandatory Use
Japan Reports 44,000 New Infections on 30th Last Month
New York City Delays Indoor Dining in Restaurants

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] On the 1st (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his willingness to wear a mask in public. He mentioned that he is strongly in favor of wearing masks to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), but he opposed nationwide mandatory mask usage.

In an interview with Fox Business on the 1st (local time), when asked about wearing masks, President Trump said, "I am strongly in favor," adding, "I think masks are good."

President Trump stated, "If I were in a crowded situation with people, I would definitely wear a mask," and added that since those who come to meet him are tested, he did not feel the need to wear a mask himself.

When asked if he would publicly wear a mask, President Trump emphasized, "No problem at all. In fact, I have worn a mask before, and it looked good."

However, regarding the question of nationwide mandatory mask-wearing, he expressed a negative stance, saying, "There are many places in this country where people keep quite a bit of distance."

As COVID-19 infections have spread recently in Texas, Florida, and California, Republican leaders including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy have also emphasized the necessity of wearing masks. Vice President Mike Pence has worn a mask at official events and recommended mask usage.

U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs has argued that if nationwide mandatory mask-wearing is implemented, it could avoid a 5% reduction in gross domestic product (GDP) compared to economic shutdown measures.

According to Johns Hopkins University, the cumulative number of COVID-19 infections in the U.S. has reached 2.65 million. On the previous day, the 30th of last month, over 44,000 new infections were reported, showing no signs of slowing the spread.

Due to concerns over the spread of infections, New York City postponed the reopening of indoor dining originally scheduled for the 6th. New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio stated, "This is not the time to push forward with indoor dining," adding, "We can help restaurants survive, but it must be done safely."